Latest news with #BeyondParallel
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
North Korea Submarine Delays Frustrate Kim Jong Un's Naval Buildup
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A North Korean submarine capable of firing missiles reportedly remains nonoperational almost two years after its launch, as leader Kim Jong Un pushes for naval modernization. Newsweek has contacted the North Korean Embassy in China for comment via email. Why It Matters While continuing to develop its nuclear arsenal, North Korea—officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)—has been enhancing its naval power by building modernized vessels. These include the submarine No. 841 Hero Kim Kun Ok, which is equipped with ballistic and cruise missiles, and two 5,000-ton destroyers. Kim has said his country's "new era of building a fleet" is making progress toward the goal of establishing a "world level" naval force. However, one of the newly built destroyers was damaged during a botched attempt to launch it into the water on its first try. In this photo provided by the North Korean government, leader Kim Jong Un, second left, looks at the submarine No. 841 Hero Kim Kun Ok at an unspecified place in North Korea on September 6,... In this photo provided by the North Korean government, leader Kim Jong Un, second left, looks at the submarine No. 841 Hero Kim Kun Ok at an unspecified place in North Korea on September 6, 2023. More Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP What To Know Citing recently captured satellite imagery, Beyond Parallel—a project by the Center for Strategic and International Studies—said in a July 17 analysis that the No. 841 Hero Kim Kun Ok had yet to become fully operational since its launch in September 2023. The submarine, which serves as an underwater platform for delivering nuclear warheads, "is not known to have put to sea for any significant length of time," Beyond Parallel said. The delay in putting it into service has likely frustrated a major component of Kim's ambitions for a modern navy. According to a satellite image dated May 30, the submarine was seen beneath what Beyond Parallel described as a "security canopy" at the Sinpo South Shipyard. Only the top of the submarine's conning tower—a raised structure on the vessel's deck—was partially visible. The submarine was moved to its current location—a secure boat basin—last December, following the completion of construction and the fitting-out process at the shipyard's dock. The security canopy was installed to conceal the submarine from overhead observation. NEW @csis Beyond Parallel satellite imagery shows North Korea's first true ballistic missile submarine not yet fully operational, almost two years after its launching. 🔗 — CSIS Korea Chair (@CSISKoreaChair) July 22, 2025 North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency reported that workers at the Nampho Shipyard pledged during a Monday meeting to complete the building of the third Choe Hyon-class destroyer by October 10, 2026, with construction having commenced the same day. The report described this class of destroyer as "a creation symbolic of the strength and spirit" of the country, built in accordance with the "precious instructions" given by Kim—which it said contributed to rapidly transforming North Korea into "a maritime power of the 21st century." What People Are Saying Beyond Parallel at the Center for Strategic and International Studies commented on July 17 in its analysis: "Precisely when the No. 841 Hero Kim Kun Ok will become operational is unclear. If its conversion from a Type 003 attack submarine into a ballistic missile submarine proves to be successful, its initial operational debut could come within the next six to 12 months." Korean Central News Agency reported on Tuesday: "The venue for the meeting was full of the high revolutionary enthusiasm of the workers at the shipyard for upholding with the building of a powerful warship of our own type the unshakable determination and will of the Party Central Committee to firmly defend the inviolable maritime sovereignty and national interests of the DPRK with the inexhaustible might of the naval forces." What Happens Next It remains to be seen when North Korea will conduct a missile launch test from the No. 841 Hero Kim Kun Ok, and whether additional submarines of the same type will be constructed.
Miami Herald
18-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Satellite Images Show Boost to North Korea's Rocket Production
North Korea has completed construction of a pier at a key space launch facility, according to satellite imagery, with analysis suggesting it was built to transport large rocket components. The pier is part of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, located in the northwestern region of North Korea, where the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, ordered the site to be expanded and modernized in March 2022 for launching large rockets and testing rocket engines. Newsweek reached out to the North Korean Embassy in China via email for comment. While North Korea has frequently fired ballistic missiles for testing and exercises, it has also launched rockets in attempts to place satellites into Earth's orbit, an activity prohibited by the United Nations Security Council, as it is seen as benefiting its ballistic missile program. According to the Arms Control Association, ballistic missiles and satellite-carrier rockets share "very similar" technologies and components, including rocket engines, navigation and guidance systems, and payload separation mechanisms for both warheads and satellites. During his 2018 meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Singapore, Kim committed to dismantling the Sohae Satellite Launching Station as part of an agreement to secure a reprieve from sanctions against his country, which he later broke. Satellite imagery provided by Planet Labs PBC shows that the pier was under construction as of May 25 and was completed by Monday. Satellite operator ICEYE told Reuters that the pier "enables transport of larger rocket components than previously possible via rail." The pier, located south of the space launch facility, was likely extended to allow "deeper draft vessels to be unloaded" at the seaport, according to a March analysis by the 38 North project, which focuses on North Korea and is run by the Stimson Center think tank. Efforts to expand the facility's infrastructure included road construction, which could either widen the existing road or serve as the basis for railway tracks, according to the 38 North project. North Korea has built two launch sites at the facility, known as the main launch pad and the coastal launch pad. The former has not been used for any launch activity since 2016, while the latter has been used for post-2016 launch attempts as of last November. According to the 38 North project, North Korea attempted to launch satellite rockets at least nine times between August 1998 and May 2024, with three of them considered successful. In the most recent attempt, the rocket exploded during the first stage of flight after launch. The Beyond Parallel project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies said in its analysis in May 2024: "Satellite imagery of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station shows that over the past year, North Korea has continued its large-scale development project for the facility. "This project has demonstrated planning flexibility, achieved several significant goals, and is moving toward its stated goal of developing the facility into a diverse rocket and missile complex capable of supporting the development and launching of larger and more sophisticated [space launch vehicles], satellites, and missiles." The 38 North project said in its analysis in March: "As springtime brings warmer weather and softer ground, work to expand the road and rail infrastructure throughout North Korea's Sohae Satellite Launching Station continues. Recent commercial satellite imagery indicates that efforts to cut a new road, or possible rail bed, connecting the east tunnel entrance with the coastal launch pad and southern seaport are underway, which could allow for vehicles or launch materials to easily travel to and from the various parts of the complex." It remains to be seen whether North Korea will attempt to launch rockets to place additional satellites into space. Its southern neighbor, South Korea, has launched four of five planned spy satellites in less than two years to enhance its reconnaissance capabilities. Related Articles North Korea Warns US Over Strategic Bombers Near AirspaceNorth Korea Pledges 'Unconditional Support' to Russia in Ukraine War: KCNARussia Sends North Korea's Nukes Signal to US AlliesUS Alliance Gets Major Missile Defense Boost Against Pacific Adversaries 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
18-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Satellite Images Show Boost to North Korea's Rocket Production
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. North Korea has completed construction of a pier at a key space launch facility, according to satellite imagery, with analysis suggesting it was built to transport large rocket components. The pier is part of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, located in the northwestern region of North Korea, where the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, ordered the site to be expanded and modernized in March 2022 for launching large rockets and testing rocket engines. Newsweek reached out to the North Korean Embassy in China via email for comment. Why It Matters While North Korea has frequently fired ballistic missiles for testing and exercises, it has also launched rockets in attempts to place satellites into Earth's orbit, an activity prohibited by the United Nations Security Council, as it is seen as benefiting its ballistic missile program. According to the Arms Control Association, ballistic missiles and satellite-carrier rockets share "very similar" technologies and components, including rocket engines, navigation and guidance systems, and payload separation mechanisms for both warheads and satellites. During his 2018 meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Singapore, Kim committed to dismantling the Sohae Satellite Launching Station as part of an agreement to secure a reprieve from sanctions against his country, which he later broke. What To Know Satellite imagery provided by Planet Labs PBC shows that the pier was under construction as of May 25 and was completed by Monday. Satellite operator ICEYE told Reuters that the pier "enables transport of larger rocket components than previously possible via rail." 1 of 2 The pier, located south of the space launch facility, was likely extended to allow "deeper draft vessels to be unloaded" at the seaport, according to a March analysis by the 38 North project, which focuses on North Korea and is run by the Stimson Center think tank. Efforts to expand the facility's infrastructure included road construction, which could either widen the existing road or serve as the basis for railway tracks, according to the 38 North project. North Korea has built two launch sites at the facility, known as the main launch pad and the coastal launch pad. The former has not been used for any launch activity since 2016, while the latter has been used for post-2016 launch attempts as of last November. According to the 38 North project, North Korea attempted to launch satellite rockets at least nine times between August 1998 and May 2024, with three of them considered successful. In the most recent attempt, the rocket exploded during the first stage of flight after launch. What People Are Saying The Beyond Parallel project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies said in its analysis in May 2024: "Satellite imagery of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station shows that over the past year, North Korea has continued its large-scale development project for the facility. "This project has demonstrated planning flexibility, achieved several significant goals, and is moving toward its stated goal of developing the facility into a diverse rocket and missile complex capable of supporting the development and launching of larger and more sophisticated [space launch vehicles], satellites, and missiles." The 38 North project said in its analysis in March: "As springtime brings warmer weather and softer ground, work to expand the road and rail infrastructure throughout North Korea's Sohae Satellite Launching Station continues. Recent commercial satellite imagery indicates that efforts to cut a new road, or possible rail bed, connecting the east tunnel entrance with the coastal launch pad and southern seaport are underway, which could allow for vehicles or launch materials to easily travel to and from the various parts of the complex." A rocket is pictured at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in North Korea on April 8, 2012. A rocket is pictured at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in North Korea on April 8, 2012. PEDRO UGARTE/AFP via Getty Images What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether North Korea will attempt to launch rockets to place additional satellites into space. Its southern neighbor, South Korea, has launched four of five planned spy satellites in less than two years to enhance its reconnaissance capabilities.
Mint
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Mint
North Korea Restores Damaged Warship, Plans Two More Next Year
North Korea said it successfully refloated a 5,000-ton destroyer that suffered damage in a botched launch attempt last month that left it foundering in shallow water, with leader Kim Jong Un vowing to build two more vessels of the same class next year as part of his efforts to boost the country's naval capabilities. A second launch ceremony for the Choe Hyon-class destroyer Kang Kon took place at the northeastern port of Rajin on Thursday, state media Korean Central News Agency said, less than a month after reporting a 'serious accident' during the first attempted launch of the ship in May. 'Despite the difficulties and obstacles, our massive shipbuilding plans aimed at building advanced naval power are being pushed forward at the fastest pace possible,' Kim said in a speech at the ceremony. The warship will be delivered to the navy for operations by mid-2026, and the ruling party has approved a plan to build two more 5,000-ton class destroyers next year, Kim said. 'Soon enough the enemies will learn themselves how provocative and unpleasant it is to see enemy ships running through the periphery of their sovereign waters,' Kim said. The North Korean leader slammed the approach of US strategic assets into the region as raising the risk of a nuclear war and said his forces will take 'overwhelming military action' against any aggressive move. The remarks were made just as the White House said President Donald Trump is open to communications with Kim. South Korea said it's closely communicating with the US on their North Korea policy. Analysts said the relatively fast restoration of the damaged warship signals North Korea's capability to pursue a quick naval build-up. The exact extent of the damage done to the ship in last month's accident was not disclosed. It's also unclear whether the destroyer has been fully repaired. 'Experts are generally skeptical about North Korea's naval capabilities, but time and again, including the country's recent floating of the capsized ship, the country has demonstrated that it can make impressive progress when it is prepared to devote priority, resources, and time,' the 38 North program at the Stimson Center said in a report. The country's navy mainly consists of smaller vessels for coastal defense. The new destroyers were designed to extend the nation's firepower in the Yellow Sea to the west and in eastern waters in the direction of Japan. The new vessels can launch guided missiles and boast an air defense system that include the Russian Pantsir-M, 'manifesting the growing cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow,' according to an analysis by Beyond Parallel, which focuses on North Korea. 'While North Korea's two Choe Hyon-class destroyers may not yet match the sophistication of their South Korean or US counterparts, the pace with which they were built suggests North Korean shipyards are gaining the expertise needed to produce more advanced warships in the near future,' the 38 North report said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
North Korean Frigate Now Floating Upright After Partially Capsizing During Disastrous Launch
The North Korean frigate that rolled over and was partially submerged during its botched launch ceremony last month is now floating on its own, a new satellite image shows. It is the latest sign of progress after a mishap that embarrassed North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, who attended the ceremony. This roughly fits in with North Korea's initial estimate that it would take '10-odd days to restore the warship's side.' 'Kim Jong Un's instructions to restore' the unnamed Choi-Hyun class ship ''before the end of June have been met with skepticism,' 38 North, a website devoted to the analysis of North Korea, noted on Thursday. 'Commercial satellite imagery shows workers at the port in Chongjin have taken a significant step towards that goal.' In the new image, captured by Planet Labs, the vessel can be seen moored in the middle of O-Hang harbor, away from the dock where rolled into the water on May 21. There are two smaller vessels just off its starboard side and several more a bit further away on the port side. From the quality of the image, it is difficult to determine the level of damage the ship incurred after being partially underwater for more than two weeks. The ship was turned upright earlier this week, which you can read more about in our report here. The image shows that North Korea 'has successfully completed initial salvage operations,' according to the latest analysis by Beyond Parallel, a project within the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). 'As best can be presently determined, the vessel may be listing slightly to port, numerous small marine salvage balloons are visible alongside and aboard the vessel, and what appears to be a large lift bag or temporary ramp is visible on the slide slipway,' Beyond Parallel posited. 'The slight listing and presence of the balloons suggest that the salvage operation is not complete, with continued pumping, stabilization, and refurbishment operations remaining. It remains unclear whether the vessel will remain at the Hambuk Shipyard at Chongjin or be moved to another shipyard for this work, fitting-out, and subsequent commissioning.' Beyond Parallel could not ascertain from the image how badly the ship was damaged. 'Those are great questions, but not ones we can answer right now with the limited resolution of the image,' Jennifer Jun, Associate Fellow for Imagery Analysis at CSIS told us. 'We'll continue to monitor for better collects in the coming days.' At a press conference on Thursday, a spokesman for the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said that additional repair work on the ship is in progress. However, he did not elaborate on whether Kim's demand that the frigate be restored by the time the next Party Central Committee meeting is held later this month will be met. This goal is outright questionable, if not impossible to meet. 'Further analysis is needed, such as whether a change has occurred in the warship's keel,' according to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency. 'The North Korean warship inclined at the Chongjin port returned to an upright position earlier this week and additional (restoration) efforts are believed to be in progress,' Col. Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), told a regular press briefing,' Yonhap reported. 'Both South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities are closely monitoring activities at the Chongjin port and the nearby area.' The vessel, which has an estimated displacement of 5,000 tons, is the second in its Choi Hyun class, following the Choi Hyon. That ship was officially unveiled in April. You can read all about the heavily armed class of frigates in our previous detailed analysis and follow-up report. Earlier this week, a satellite image showed that second vessel finally upright, but still at the dock and covered in blue tarps. You can catch up with our story about that here. As we noted in that story, an analysis by 38 North showed the efforts North Korea was taking to right the vessel. This is quite incredible speed. The image is partially obscured by cloud, but the capsized North Korean warship is now upright again. What makes it even more impressive is they apparently did it all manually. : Airbus Space and Defence/38 North, June — Martyn Williams (@ 2025-06-03T18:28:44.771Z 38 North suggested that the launch mechanism may have become stuck in the ship's bow, pinning it onto the land while the stern slipped into the water, after which the boat overturned. In the May 29 imagery, there appeared to be damage around the bow section. That is in stark contrast to North Korea's initial claim that the vessel was unharmed, a dubious, if not implausible assertion. In our previous report, we noted that there is not a dry dock that the vessel could be moved into readily at Chongjin if major repair work is required. However, now that the ship is floating, it could be easier to take it to a facility that can fix major hull damage. Contact the author: howard@
